SPRINGFIELD — State Sen. Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant (D-Shorewood) issued the following statement in response to the budget that passed the Illinois General Assembly today:

“After months of contentious negotiations, the Senate concurred with the House to approve the budget. The decision was not easy, in fact it was quite hard. Along with my colleagues, I spent countless hours listening, reviewing and researching options to move our state forward. Today's bipartisan decision begins the stability and certainty that businesses, social services, schools and individuals in our state desire and deserve. I am committed to continuing to find ways to ensure our government becomes more efficient and responsible with taxpayer's dollars.”